Fishermen's News

One Father Makes a Wise Investment

I first met Phil shortly before he married Linda, one of my best girlfriends for more than 35 years. Together, they are the model of an American success story. Linda and Phil met in the 1980s on Wall Street, where they both had enormously lucrative careers in risk arbitrage and financial investment. They are now the parents of three young children. Linda left her successful career to be home with her children not long after her oldest was born. She and Phil lead prosperous, comfortable lives, and don't worry about how they will afford to send three children to college 10 years from now. Yet through it all, Linda has retained the wonderfully down-to-earth personality I remember from elementary and high school. And Phil, who was raised in Ohio by a close-knit family, still reflects his unpretentious Midwestern roots.

My husband, Steve, and I were especially impressed by this a few years ago when we sat with Linda and Phil at my 20th high-school reunion in New Jersey, not far from Manhattan. Like many people in that area, Phil rises early every morning for his commute into the city to one of Wall Street's top brokerage firms. He deals daily with the stress and fast pace of his demanding career and returns home late in the evening. With obvious interest, Phil questioned Steve about life in what is, by comparison, bucolic northeastern Pennsylvania. He clearly envied Steve's three-minute commute and flexible schedule which allow him to spend a good deal of time with our two preschool-age children. We know we are fortunate to have such a lifestyle, and we treasure it.

Nonetheless, we were surprised when Phil, with all the privileges of wealth, told Steve wistfully, "I would trade it all in tomorrow for what you have." Like many men today, Phil had discovered that so-called '"quality" time with his loved ones was not enough; his family needed "quantity" time. His children were growing up quickly, and they barely knew him. They were missing out -- and so was he.

A number of Christian ministries is rising to address the Issues facing today's fathers; the response to their efforts has been overwhelmingly positive. Focus on the Family, for example, with a staff of two in 1977, has grown to an influential international ministry with 1,200 employees today. In describing Focus on the Family's remarkable growth, the organization's founder, Dr. James Dobson, credits the unique blessing of God. He also speculates, however, that the group's message has touched people where they often feel most needy -- family life. "Every other dimension of their persona may be shiny and whole: their career, their wardrobe, their physique, their sexual allure, their golf swing, their public image," Dobson notes, "But at home, among those they profess to love, the jagged edges of dissent, selfishness and tension keep scraping them raw."

My husband, a Presbyterian pastor, likes to describe his profession as that of "priority consultant." He encourages his parishioners to establish priorities which put God first, their spouse second, their children third and their career fourth. Of course, those who must provide for their children are generally obliged to spend long hours outside the home. Thus Steve stresses that these are not necessarily priorities of time, but priorities of the heart. Still, he notes, "we men especially tend to get these priorities in the exact reverse order, and in so doing, we poison our own wells."

Several weeks ago, in the middle of the day, I phoned Linda to catch up with her. I was a bit surprised when Phil answered the phone, and I asked what he was doing at home. "l realized that my kids were growing up and didn't know me," he said very seriously, "so I walked into my superiors' offices one day and told them they had two choices: they could give me a ten month leave of absence, or they could accept my resignation." With obvious delight, he announced, "They gave me the leave of absence."

I realize that most fathers do not have such an option; they do not enjoy Phil's financial security or professional marketability. (My husband, for one, will probably never take a leave of absence, and he may very likely work past retirement age.) But there is still a lesson to be learned from Phil's story -- the importance of putting family ahead of profession. Phil knows that his family is more important than his career, and he is willing to make sacrifices to live that out. His decision means that he is foregoing both financial compensation and that all-important competitive edge in an ever-changing investment world.

In fact, several weeks into his leave, his superiors called him and attempted to woo him back with the promise of a "plum job," one that would have increased his salary and prestige and made him eligible for virtually any financial post in the country. Phil was sorely tempted, but in the end, he turned them down. Last I heard, he has no second thoughts. "My kids know me now, if something is wrong, if they need comforting, they are just as happy with me as they are with Linda," he says with undisguised pride.

Years ago, Phil gained his reputation as a savvy investor. Now, he's applying similar principles to his personal life by choosing to invest a precious commodity -- time -- in his family. I suspect he will have huge dividends to show for it In years to come. Happy Father's Day. - Ann Clark, June 15, 1996, The Press Enterprise

I. Central Public Address System Upgrade

A. Bid and award Central PA System Upgrade

B. Procure Equipment For Central PA System Upgrade

C. Install Central PA System Upgrade; Final Testing of Central PA System

II. SECURITY SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

A. Bid & Award Security System Replacement

B. Procure Security System Equipment/Devices

C. Install Security System Upgrade; Final Testing of Security System

III. FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT

A. Develop FA System Replacement Requirements/Plan

B. Obtain City Approval On FA System Design

C. Bid & Award FA System Replacement

D. Obtain FA System Permit

E. Procure FA System Equipment/Devices

F. Install New FA System; Test/Inspect New FA System

H. Remove Existing FA System; Retest New FA System

IV. OIL TANK REMOVAL and BOILER CONVERSION

A. Bid & Award Oil Tank Removal/Boiler Replacement

B. Obtain Permit For Boiler Replacement

C. Procure New Boiler

D. Obtain Permit For Oil Tank Removal

E. Remove Existing Boiler/Piping/Controls

F. Excavate/Remove/Backfill/Grade Old U.G. Oil Tank

G. Install New Boiler/Piping/Controls

H. Startup/Checkout New Boiler Equipment .

V. SANCTUARY WINDOW REPLACEMENT

A. Bid & Award Replacement Windows

B. Procure Replacement Windows

C. Obtain Permit For Replacement Windows

D. Remove Existing Wood Windows

E. Install New Vinyl Windows

F. Architectural Finish Repairs

VI. BUILDING LAYOUT SIGNAGE

A. Obtain Reduced Building Layout Prints

B. Select Mounting Locations

VII. FRONT ENTRANCE DRIVEWAY

A. Develop OME Budget On Asphalt Drive & Guard Rail

B. Obtain Registered Architectural Engineer To Develop Final Plan

C. Develop Final Plan On New Entrance Access

D. Obtain Approval From City On Final Plan

E. Present & Approve New Front Entrance Access & Church Sign

F. Bid & Award New Front Entrance Driveway

G. Bid & Award New Church Sign (Artwork, Graphics)

H. Obtain Permit On Site Work

I. Clear Area for Construction

J. Construct Guard Rail Items

K. Install New Church Sign Underground Electrical

L. Grade & Place Subgrade

M. Place Asphalt Drive

N. Additional Landscaping

O. Install New Church Sign

P. Dedication Of New Front Entrance

VIII. SANCTUARY AIR CONDITIONING

A. Evaluate Refrigeration Vs. Exhaust Ventilation

B. Bid & Award AC System

C. Obtain Permit For AC System Installation

D. Procure AC System Equipment

E. Install AC System Equipment

F. Repair Architectural Finishes

G. Startup/Checkout New AC System

IX. SANCTUARY PAINTING

A. Develop Painting Requirements

B. Bid & Award Painting Work

C. Painting Work In Sanctuary

Almost every day on the news now, we hear disturbing evidence of modern "accepted convention." Students of shockingly young age shooting one another in schools (which, sadly, is becoming less shocking by virtue of becoming so common!); rates of teen suicide, promiscuity, unplanned pregnancy, substance abuse, and so on, continue to rise despite obvious increases in "awareness" and "education" on the dangers of risky behavior and the availability of help. Schools that once opened with readings from the Psalms, and time to recognize the Creator now bar students from expressing their faith at graduation, or meeting with a Bible study on school grounds -while meanwhile, down the hall, the "gay-straight student alliance" meets with official approval and faculty advisors to teach students to "tolerate" (read, "endorse") lifestyles once almost universally disapproved by our society (Incidentally, have you ever thought of what would happen to a teacher who met with a group of heterosexual students to encourage them to enter into sexual relationships with their peers, and to meet together to talk about their sexuality? In most places, I believe that teacher would still be accused of inappropriate behavior, if not outright sexually abusive behavior, and relieved of duty!). The authority and accepted convention surrounding our teens seems to be going consistently down-hill.

Enter, therefore, a group of "rebels"... not musket-toters, subversives, or law-breakers, just convention-buckers, determined to head "up-hill" against the general moral stream. "What if," this group asks, "a group of teens, instead of rejecting moral values, embraced them? What if, instead of 'looking out for number one', they looked out for someone else for a change? What if they gave service instead of 'lip'? What if they turned the tide, and rebelled against the apathetic un-involvement of our culture?" It sounded just crazy enough to work, so they said, "Let's do it!"

That group of rebels with a cause is right here in your church. Members of the Presbyterian Youth Fellowship are rebelling! Against the grain, against so many people's expectation of "kids these days", they are on a mission! They started this mission quite a while ago, really, dedicating themselves to pursue Christ and His Kingdom, asking how He would have them live, giving of themselves to one another, and generally "swimming up stream". This summer, they're taking it a step further, and joining with Group Workcamps to give up a week of their vacation in service to others.

Maybe you've seen the signs in Fellowship Hall, or heard an announcement in church. Here's what these "rebels" are up to: From July 2 to 8, 2000, a group of youth and adult leaders from Greenwood will be headed for Garysburg, NC, to donate their time and talents to building and refurbishing projects for needy people in an area of great economic difficulty. These rebels will be putting their "muscle where there mouth is", and DOING service, not talking it. They have committed a week of their "freedom" to make life a little better for someone else.

But really, that's not the only sacrifice they're making for the cause. Stuff like this doesn't happen free. Travel and conference expenses for the whole group will total $5,500 for this summer. So, because they're so sold on sacrificing this week, they're prepared to sacrifice more just to get to that sacrifice... they've planned car-washes, meals, and other fundraisers to earn their way to the privilege of service in Garysburg this summer. You'll find information on the project and the fund-raising effort, at the youth display in Fellowship Hall.

If you ask me, this kind of rebellion can't go unanswered. All this cleaning and cooking and serving is not normal! And it must be stopped. The way I figure it, if all of us could come up with just $5,500, this rebellion could be stemmed -or do I mean encouraged? Well, in any case, I'm ready to join the rebellion, and help make it possible for these rebels to keep swimming up stream. How about you?

Put Your Money to Good Youth! Support the PYF Summer Mission -- Brent Richards, DCE

PYF Mother's Day Brunch

$10 per Ticket (proceeds benefit the Youth Mission trip)

Eggs Benedict © Pancakes © Fruit Salad

Assorted Cereal © Assorted Muffins

Juices, Coffee and Tea

Cereal © Pancakes © Muffins © Juices

Make your reservations in Fellowship Hall or call the church office by May 7!

Happy Mother's Day!

The Summer Schedule will begin on Father's Day, Sunday, June 18, 2000. At that time, we will have one service, which will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Donald Sorgel, Chair -- for the Worship Committee

So, here is our mission: (I Corinthians 3:5-9)

1. Plant the seed.
2. Water it.
3. <insert God here>

So, let's plant some seeds. I'm not suggesting that we merely "invite" people to church. Although that is a great idea and we all should practice that tactic, it is also easier said than done. An easier, less intimidating approach may be to invite a friend or family to one of our church activities. The various activities planned throughout the year are not just for our own enjoyment and fellowship, but also as an Evangelism opportunity. These activities are great ways to "break the ice" ...a way to show a friend or friends that we are just like them, and they, like us. We are all people flawed in some way, and we seek God sometimes because of those flaws.

If you would like to sponsor a friend or family to a future Church activity, see a Membership Committee person to learn how.

God holds us accountable for avoiding a chance to witness for him. (Ezekiel 3: 18-19)

PAWSOX GAME SIGN-UP

Saturday July 15, 2000 6:05pm

Look in Fellowship Hall for the Pawsox sign up board. Tickets for all attending will be purchased on June 5^th. Cost is $6.50 per person. Ohhh what fun!!!

For His Glory, Jim Parkinson, Al Williams, Jerianne Berman, Linda Gungle, Florence Hachadorian, Kay Parkinson, Annette Summers, Jeanne Williams

By the time you receive this newsletter, we will have just completed our first "Missions Emphasis Sunday" with a much anticipated visit from our good friends Walter and LouAnne Copeland, our supported missionaries serving the Lord in Japan. Since, at the time of this writing the event has not yet occurred, I will have more to say in next month's Fishermen's News. This will be the first of what we anticipate to be many visits by our supported missionary workers over the next year. The committee has been corresponding with Scott and Louise MacGregor of Wyclyffe Bible Translators, working in the Philippines, and we anticipate a visit from them sometime during the summer. The committee is also contacting our other supported missionaries to find out when they will be on furlough back in the U.S. and possibly available to visit Greenwood. It is always a joy to hear about the work that is being done around the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

Another significant program that will have been completed upon receipt of this newsletter is the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and dedication. Many thanks to Evelyn Robinson who has again organized and coordinated this extremely worthwhile program as well as the other committee members who assisted with Minutes for Mission and the Dedication. The committee most importantly would like to thank everyone who so generously gave to support the OGHS program. I hope to have the details of the final amount of gifts received by next month's Fishermen's News.

Tom Miller, for the Mission Committee

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

What do you know about WILLS?

Will Rogers

Will Shakespeare

Will Clark......

You may or may not know these "Wills", however, there is a good chance we will one day sit down and add our signature to a document that will extend the love and the protection of our loved ones.

This would be our Will, ensuring that our assets are distributed in a manner that will demonstrate our remembrance and regard for our family, our loved ones, and possibly groups or organizations that were important to us in life.

Should the church be part of our Will?

Fortunately for Greenwood Church, many members of our congregation answered yes. They remembered how much Greenwood Church meant to them in life. Therefore, they made provisions in their legacy that helped ensure a strong, vibrant and loving church.

Every year the income from our Endowment Fund provides resources to pay for capital expenditures which are not funded by our weekly tithes and offerings. This year, our Endowment Income Fund will provide $50,000 for a new boiler, and additional thousands for other capital improvements.

Stewardship is not only the administration of our tithes and offerings that pay for salaries, benefits, utilities, mission and other everyday expenses of the church family, as we actively participate in God's household, it is also an opportunity for timeless stewardship through the Wills Emphasis Program.

Won't you please consider your church when preparing your Will, so that your stewardship of earthly goods can continue beyond our time of need?

May 7^th is Wills Emphasis Sunday. Please contact your Stewardship Committee with any questions regarding this program.

Eric Robinson, for the Stewardship Committee

Come join us for a fun day!

Just in time for spring cleaning! Saturday, May 6, 2000

Your help is needed for our spring Yard Sale to be held in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, May 6, 2000, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Deacons' Fund. To volunteer for any of the areas listed below, please call Lynda Gudmundson at 397-9036 or sign up on the yard sale poster in Fellowship Hall. You can help with any of the following.

• Donate household items, furniture, home office goods, records, gently used clothing, costume jewelry, baby and children's items, toys, games and any other treasures you may have found while spring cleaning! Drop off goods any time on Friday, May 5^th between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. Please, no drop-offs after 10:00 a.m.
• Donate baked goods. If you're baking for the May Breakfast, why not make a double batch and freeze half for the Bake Sale at the Yard Sale! Your scrumptious goodies will be appreciated by shoppers and volunteers!
• Help organize and price items on Friday, May 5^th any time from 9am-4pm. Child care is available for the morning shift.
• Help with sales on Saturday, May 6^th for either a morning or afternoon shift.
• Help with pre-sale set-up or post-sale clean-upon the day of the sale, Saturday, May 6^th.
• Invite friends to the sale and do some shopping yourself!
• As you can see, a variety of help is needed. This is a terrific family volunteer project!! Teenage volunteers are certainly welcome! Any assistance you can give to this cause will be greatly appreciated. Plus, the Youth Group is running a Car Wash from 9am-12 noon, so you can have your car washed while you shop! Please call Lynda Gudmundson at 397-9036. Thank you!

As many of you know, my garden is very special to me. At this time of year, it is one of the most delightful places to experience and appreciate the gifts of God's creation. Every little leaf that pops through the earth is exciting as new life unfolds every day.

Spring is also a time when we often experience new energy and renewed interests. Many women are finding the study of Psalms with Brent Richards refreshing and enriching. On April 8^th, Kitty Channell, Angie D'Albora, Peggy Phillips and I attended the PW spring Gathering at the Dunns Corners community Church, Presbyterian in Westerly, RI. The theme was Mission: Possible. The keynote speaker was Jean Cutler of the PC(USA) Women's Ministries staff. She is Associate for Mission Participation and spoke about our mission in Africa as well as other PW mission opportunities. We also enjoyed browsing at the Resource Tables, buying gifts at the 10,000 Village Sale Table, and participating in the Mission-related Workshops.

We are really pleased that we will have two Greenwood Presbyterian Women attending the 2000 Church-wide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Louisville, Kentucky July 15-19. Angie D'Albora and Peggy Phillips are our representatives. We know it will be a great experience for them and that we will all benefit as they share that time with us in a variety of ways. The theme is "Sound the Trumpets! Proclaim Jubilee!" We will be sending a poster featuring three of our Jubilee Women: Lynda Gudmundson with our Community Outreach projects, Lynn Kramer as leader of Circle Five's project with the MS Key Club, and Betty Stacey with her many knitted and crocheted items for the Women & Infants Hospital project for newborns.

We do seem to be "Springing" into action!

Jean Martin, for the Coordinating Team

P.S. Many thanks to all the men and women who worked so hard and made contributions to our May Breakfast. You are on the "Special People" list!

Circle News for MAY

APRIL Showers bring MAY Flowers, that's true, but APRIL CIRCLES bring our annual MAY BREAKFAST and April efforts were focused on that momentous goal. Do plan to come and sample some of these efforts. Is there life after the May Breakfast? Most definitely there is, and there is also time for you, dear Reader, to visit a Circle and see if you would like to be permanent in the Fall. Here is the run-down of our MAY MEETINGS.

Circle I will meet in the church parlor on Wednesday, May 10th at 9:30 a.m. They will be relaxing following the "yard sale". Childcare is provided by 3 very kind and experienced grandmothers.

CIRCLE II will meet on Tuesday, May 9^th at 9:30 a.m.

CIRCLE III will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9^th at Carol Snyder's new home in Narragansett.

CIRCLE IV will meet on Tuesday, May 9^th at 7 p.m. in the church parlor. Melinda and Antoinette are in charge of the program.

CIRCLE V will meet on Wednesday, May 3rd to host the MS Key Club at 10:30 a.m. They bring a sandwich. This is the group that has been making the attractive greeting cards for ROPES.

CIRCLE VI This group will meet in the church parlor on Tuesday, May 9th at 1 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.

CIRCLE VIIwill be meeting at the home of their leader, Lynda Baker, on Tuesday, May 9^th at 7 p.m. This is the circle that enjoys crafts and is busy making some wonderful things for the Bazaar 2000.

At our MAY meetings we will be filling out a Circle Choice form for the 2000-2001 year. I would be very happy to see that you get a form if you are interested. Just give me a call at 884-8631. Hope you have a chance to enjoy the breakfast. I'll be in the kitchen with the scrambled eggs!

Angie D'Albora, Circle Coordinator

On February 15^th, 1280 Campbell labels were mailed to Plateau Home School Tutoring Program in Lancing, Tennessee.

The school receives approximately one-and-a-half cents for each label redeemed by Campbell and this year the money will be used for reading material to expand their library with a greater variety of titles and reading levels.

This program is continuous, so please put your labels (the front panel with Campbell's at the top) in the box on the shelf in the back hall of the church.

Thank you for your support in helping with this very worthwhile project.

Marge Platt, for Presbyterian Women